[ttcbj]

I just discovered the 230i through youtube. I am a track-day beginner, and I think something lower horsepower might be better for learning.

I'm tall, so the m240i is out because it lacks a sunroof delete. But my read is that a 230i with sunroof delete probably has the same headroom as an M2, 39.8", which should work.

Has anyone tracked the 230i on a hot day? Does it hold up for 20 minutes? Does it have an oil temperature gauge integrated?

Any other thoughts on tracking the 230i?

[wb8164]

I don't track my 230i, but I think you should be fine for at least 20 minute stints on a hot day. You could also check the G20 forum to since there might be more action there, but seeing as how many people mod the B48, I think you'll be fine.

There is an oil temp readout on the Sports Display, so you'd be set there.
The one option you'd really want would be the limited dif, which was tough to come by in the 2022 model year. Good luck.

[ttcbj]

Thanks @wb8164

[RockCrusher]

Pic below taken of my 2022 230i sports displays...

My observation at least on the street is oil temperature appears to be controlled. However, I didn't track the car.

It will either will be controlled or not. Just to point out you need to keep an eye on the oil temperature and if it gets too high that's the end of the current session. Take a cool down lap and then let the engine idle a bit in the pits to help dissipate the heat load of the engine.

What's too high? Well, one source says 230F is warm. 240F is hot. 250F is too damn hot. (Oh, the source? Bruce Anderson in the 2nd edition of his Porsche 911 Performance Handbook.)

Don't recall seeing that high of oil temperature in my 230i or now with my M2. With my Dodge Challenger Hellcat and Scat Pack around town driving oil temperature could climb to 240F. But once on the freeway and moving at (legal) speed the oil temperature came down.

Both the 230i didn't and now the M2 doesn't appear to experience any real increase in oil temperature when used under the same conditions as my Challengers. But neither car has been on the track.

I'll finish by offering you the same advice my auto tech buddies gave me: Show up at the track with fresh oil in the engine. And the brake hydraulic system recently flushed and bled.

[RockCrusher]

Just bought a 2024 230i xDrive. In sport mode I can call up this display: